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Emergency
OBD2 CODE

P0717 No signal from the gearbox input speed sensor

Urgency medium

A code identifies a signal or system that needs to be checked, not a part you should replace.

Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal

The automatic gearbox has its own control unit (TCM), which decides when to shift using speed, temperature, pressure and selector position sensors. The input (or turbine) speed sensor measures how fast the shaft going into the gearbox is turning. Using it and the output sensor, the control unit controls shifts and torque converter lock-up. This code means its signal isn't arriving.

What the car has detected

The control unit is receiving pulses from the output speed sensor but none from the input sensor.

The control unit usually goes into limp mode: on some gearboxes it only allows second gear and reverse after stopping. You can calmly drive to a garage, but don't make long trips like this.

Symptoms

  • Engine or gearbox warning light on
  • Limp mode: stuck in one gear
  • Harsh shifts
  • Odd speedometer or displays on some cars

Possible causes

  • Failed input speed sensor
  • Wiring or connector with breaks or poor connection
  • Damage to the toothed part the sensor reads
  • Gearbox control unit fault (rare)

Checks for the garage

  • With the selector in P or N, compare the input speed in diagnostics with the rev counter
  • Check the connector and wiring, flexing them to find intermittent breaks
  • Test the sensor per the manual
  • Check the toothed wheel if the sensor and wiring are fine

Next step

Have the input speed sensor, its connector and wiring checked, and its reading compared with engine speed.

Go to a garage: the sensor may be inside the gearbox and testing it needs diagnostics.

Original sources · Date indicated: 2026-10-12

Related faults in the database

7G-Tronic conductor plateGearbox
Engine / equipment
7G-Tronic automatic gearbox (722.9) in the C, E, S-Class, ML, GL, SLK, Sprinter…
Period mentioned
2004 onwards (more failures in 2004–2008)
Symptoms
Gearbox stuck in 2nd or 3rd (limp mode), harsh shifts, delay engaging D or R, gearbox warning often without an engine light; turning off and restarting clears it for a while.
Possible cause described
The conductor plate (the control unit with built-in speed sensors) fails from heat and vibration. Oil leaks through the 13-pin connector are also common.
Check for the garage
Diagnose with Xentry/STAR to see the sub-codes (a basic reader only shows P0700). Check for oil in the gearbox connector.
Cost cited in the source
Approx. €1,400–2,800 (estimate)A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

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DQ250 DSG mechatronic and oilDSG gearbox
Engine / equipment
DQ250 6-speed wet-clutch DSG (2.0 TDI, 2.0 TSI and other powerful engines in the Golf, Passat, Tiguan, A3, TT, Octavia, Superb, Leon…)
Period mentioned
2003–2020
Symptoms
Jerking or shudder when pulling away and at low speed, harsh shifts, gearbox warning or limp mode; codes P17BF, P189C, P0841, P0871 or P0717.
Possible cause described
In most cases the cause is the mechatronic unit (the electro-hydraulic control unit), not the clutches. The oil shares a circuit with the clutches and degrades, carrying debris that damages the valves; the pan can also rust and leak. Volkswagen specifies an oil and filter change every 60,000 km.
Check for the garage
Read codes with ODIS or VCDS, check the oil change history, inspect the pan for rust or leaks and the clutch adaptation values. Replacing the mechatronic control board is often enough.
Cost cited in the source
Oil and filter change: maintenance every 60,000 km; control board or mechatronic: expensive repairA rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Mileage cited in the database: from 60,000 km. This is not a maintenance interval and does not predict a failure.

Sources from the original database

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